Rituraj Gaikwad: New CSK captain for IPL 2024

Mahendra Singh Dhoni stepped down as the captain of Chennai Super Kings ahead of the inaugural match between CSK and RCB. This announcement came at the last moment before the group photograph of all captains.MS Dhoni captained CSK to win 5 IPL titles.

CSK management has been looking for the replacement of MS Dhoni for the last couple of years but have been unable to find the right candidate. In 2022, Ravindra Jadeja was named captain of the team but was unable to fill Dhoni’s shoes and stepped down after a few games.

In 2023 auction, CSK team bought Ben Stokes for the same role but due to his fitness issue he was on the bench for most of the season. There were many other players as well who were on the list to be the next torchbearer for the team.

Rituraj Gaikwad: Journey from opener to captain of the team

Rituraj came into CSK squad in 2020 season. He came into limelight in no time when he won 3 back-to-back men of the match for the franchise. In 2021, it was the career changing season for him. He not only guided CSK to win their 4 titles but was also able to win orange cap for that season as well. After that he was part of the core group in the team.

The CSK management consider him the next captain of the team for many reasons. CSK team coach Stephen Fleming said he is very similar to Mahendra Singh Dhoni in match awareness. He is very good observant of the situation. He can perform well under pressure. He is very calm in nature and able to mix with the team completely. This will help in building up a team environment and making strong bonds. All these qualities lead him to be the next captain.

Even in the domestic season, He led Maharashtra in Vijay Hazare Trophy to the finals. His teammates in the Maharashtra squad say he always keeps his room open for everyone and is able to solve problems in a very mature way.

For CSK fans, it was shocking news as they always considered MSD to be the captain of the team. No doubt Rituraj must fill the shoes of a cricketing legend. This 2024 season will be a new journey for him in captaincy.